elyob wrote:
> "Jon Senior" <jon_AT_restlesslemon_DOTco_DOT_uk> wrote in message
> There was a bit on the TdF yesterday (well, Wednesday 7-8pm highlights ITV2)
> ... where some kid tried to steal a water bottle from a bike being pushed by
> a pro. He got the bottle, but the cyclist (can't remember who .. and he
> spoke very good French ;-] ) grabbed it back. Unfortunately the carbon fibre
> holder was in tatters ... I think a new bike may have been called for. Shows
> how important a decent water cage is
It was Robbie McEwen. A couple of people grabbed at his bottle as he
rode past; he was still on his bike at the time, coasting through the
spectators. The third kid to have a go ripped it out of his cage,
breaking the cage and just about pulling McEwen off his bike. McEwen
gave him a bit of a shaking, then cruised on until a few metres down the
road he realised his cage was trashed. He went back, took the bottle
from the kid and handed it to another child while giving the viewers a
lesson in French and the kid a lesson in Aussie swearing.
McEwen's not known as the most polite and easy going character in the
field, but I think I'd have been a lot less civil if someone had done
something similar to me in that situation. Is it normal for people to
try to pull parts off the bikes as souvenirs at then end of each stage?
I would have thought (hoped, maybe) there would be more respect for
the competitors.
r